NCAA Stiffens Penalty for Roughing Passer

MISSION, Kan. — A stiffer penalty for roughing the passer and further restrictions on blocking below the waist were among changes adopted by the Football Rules Committee, the National Collegiate Athletic Assn. said Friday.

The basic enforcement spot for 15-yard roughing-the-passer penalties was changed from the previous line of scrimmage to the end of the run on completed pass plays.

The other major change further restricts the time and area in which defensive players are eligible to block offensive receivers below the waist.